San Diego Padres Co-Ace Defying The Odds With Recovery

When Joe Musgrove dropped a kettlebell on his toe, leaving it fractured, at the end of February, it was thought that he wouldn't be able to throw for a couple of weeks, and his status for Opening Day was in question. 

Now, just 12 days later, the San Diego Padres' hometown co-ace has already thrown on flat ground, and progressed to throwing off a mound on Saturday. He could be ready for the season after all.

Meanwhile, Joe Musgrove looking like a guy who really doesn’t want to miss even a single start.
Throwing off a mound 12 days after fracturing his left big toe. pic.twitter.com/09LGKtOfND

— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 11, 2023

Musgrove now says that a realistic goal is to start the first game of the first road trip of the regular season, which would be Game #7 of the young season (April 6th).

The 30-year-old, who was an All-Star last season, posting a 2.93 ERA, had been doing everything in his power the past week or so to speed up the healing process for his toe, including using a hyperbaric chamber every day, and eating a special diet that also promotes healing. Now that's dedication.

Looks like Musgrove could be ready when the bell rings. As long as it's not a kettlebell.

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports